Cumbria Way 5

 Day Five

Today is my second to last day and the day I’m planning to meet up with family, and almost as importantly, to dump my rucksack. 

I started off with a rather nice breakfast thanks to Sticklebarn and then set off up the valley. The first stop was Elterwater for the village shop (advertising for customers - must have own money, should you be passing) for a pie to take away for lunch then I was on my way. 

The route takes you along the bright white path to Elterwater then to Skelwith Force. The waterfall appears to be a major selfie attraction. I stopped on the other less popular side so may have ruined a few photos. 

After that we were into familiar territory for me. Along the road and then up the path to Tarn Howes. It wasn’t quite as I remembered as most of the trees have been torn up by Storm Arwen. I still able to find a nice spot to eat lunch. 

way. 

The next leg was a short walk into Coniston and my family rendezvous. After a bit of to-and-fro-ing we managed to meet up. Lots of hugs and smiles then a cup of coffee. Almost as importantly, I got to dump my rucksack in the boot of the car. Off mum and Nana went to drive home Dad and I set off to walk a little further, leaving just that little bit less for my last day. 

The path by the lake also suffered from storm damage and was never that well defined anyway. A fact two cyclists were beginning to find when we met them. They felt like the road was a bit too hilly. They turned back in the end. Hills on the road are probably easier than carrying your bike over stile after stile. 

Back at the second car (this was a complex operation) and I was on my way to the accommodation for the night - mum and dad’s house. Obviously more than just the company, there are many joys to being home for the night. Food, tv., hot water on tap and getting your washing done!